₦airaland Forum

I am Goodness Chioma Mathins, a Nurse Assistant with Startimes Medical Centre.

Healthcare is not only about hospitals, machines, and prescriptions—it is about people, dignity, and compassion. In many communities, especially during outreach programs, care is brought directly to the people, ensuring that no one is left behind. This is where the role of a Nurse Assistant becomes deeply impactful.

In the image above, a Nurse Assistant is seen assisting a patient in a wheelchair during a medical outreach program. This simple yet powerful act reflects the true essence of healthcare—service with empathy. For many patients, mobility challenges can make accessing healthcare difficult. By providing physical support and guidance, Nurse Assistants bridge that gap, making care accessible and inclusive.

Medical outreaches play a vital role in promoting community health. Services such as blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, malaria screening, and health education are offered freely, ensuring that even those with limited resources receive attention. However, beyond these services lies something even more important—human connection.

As a Nurse Assistant, every interaction matters. Helping a patient into a wheelchair, offering reassurance, or simply sharing a smile can significantly improve a patient’s experience. In moments like these, patients feel seen, valued, and cared for—not just treated.

The image also highlights teamwork and organization within the outreach setting. While some healthcare workers attend to patients at the tents, others move around, assisting those who need extra help. It is a coordinated effort driven by a shared goal: improving lives.

Working in such environments requires patience, strength, and emotional intelligence. It is not always easy—long hours, unpredictable conditions, and diverse patient needs can be challenging. Yet, the fulfillment that comes from helping someone regain comfort or confidence makes it all worthwhile.

This scene serves as a reminder that healthcare extends beyond clinical procedures. It is about meeting people where they are, both physically and emotionally. It is about restoring hope, one patient at a time.

As we continue to advocate for better healthcare systems, the contributions of Nurse Assistants should not be overlooked. They are the backbone of many outreach programs, ensuring that care is not only delivered but also felt.

Because sometimes, the greatest healing begins with a helping hand.

My name is Goodness Chioma Mathins. I work as a Nursing Assistant at Startimes Medical Centre in Benin City, Nigeria. I studied Medical Biochemistry and later earned a Master’s degree in Physiology from Imo State University.

But nothing I learned in school prepared me for what I’ve seen in real life.

One day, someone collapsed.

Not in a hospital. Not near a doctor. Just in a normal, everyday environment—with people all around.

People gathered. They panicked. Some shouted. Some brought water. Some just stood there, watching.

But no one knew what to do.

No one checked for breathing.
No one started CPR.
No one acted.

And by the time help came… it was too late.

That moment changed how I see the world.

Because the painful truth is this:
Many people don’t die because their condition is untreatable. They die because help didn’t come early enough.

And sometimes, you are the help.

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💔 Why This Matters

Those first few minutes—before the ambulance, before the hospital—are everything.

That’s where first aid and CPR come in.

Not as “medical knowledge.”
But as a life skill everyone should have.

Because emergencies don’t send invitations.

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🚨 How to Do CPR (Simple Guide Anyone Can Follow)

If someone collapses and is not responding:

1. Check responsiveness
Tap them and shout: “Are you okay?”

2. Check breathing
If they’re not breathing or only gasping, act immediately.

3. Call for help
Ask someone nearby to call emergency services.

4. Start chest compressions

* Place both hands in the center of the chest
* Push hard and fast
* Aim for 100–120 compressions per minute
* Depth: about 2 inches (5 cm)
* Let the chest fully rise between compressions

👉 You should press on the person’s chest 100 to 120 times every minute during CPR.

5. Don’t stop
Continue until:

* The person starts breathing, or
* Help arrives

👉 If trained, you can add rescue breaths (30 compressions : 2 breaths), but hands-only CPR is still effective.

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⚠️ The Truth Most People Ignore

You don’t need to be a doctor to save a life.

You just need to:

* Stay calm
* Act fast
* Know the basics

Doing something is often better than doing nothing.

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💡 Final Thought

One day, someone might collapse in front of you.

It could be a stranger.
It could be your friend.
It could be your parent.

And in that moment, nothing else will matter except one question:

“Do you know what to do?”

Dated: July 4th, 2023


Goodness Chioma Mathins is a dedicated healthcare professional committed to improving patient care and promoting health awareness. She is a graduate of Imo State University, Owerri, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc) in Medical Biochemistry and a Master’s degree (M.Sc) in Physiology. Born on September 28, 1996, she is a passionate and driven young woman currently working as a Nursing Assistant at Startimes Medical Centre in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Through her academic background and hands-on clinical experience, she continues to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare sector.

One of the major health challenges affecting women globally today is Breast Cancer. It occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor that may spread to other parts of the body if not detected early. Despite advances in medical science, breast cancer remains a leading cause of death among women, particularly in developing countries where awareness and access to healthcare may be limited.

Breast cancer awareness is crucial because early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Women are encouraged to carry out regular breast self-examinations, which involve checking for unusual lumps, changes in breast shape, skin dimpling, or nipple discharge. Clinical screenings such as mammograms should also be done periodically, especially for women above the age of 40 or those with a family history of the disease.

Risk factors for breast cancer include genetics, hormonal imbalances, lifestyle choices, and age. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle—such as maintaining a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and attending routine medical check-ups—can help reduce the risk.

As a healthcare worker, Goodness Chioma Mathins emphasizes the importance of education and awareness in combating breast cancer. She advocates for more community outreach programs, especially in rural areas, to educate women on the importance of early detection and timely medical intervention. According to her, “Awareness can save lives. The more informed people are, the better their chances of seeking help early.”

In conclusion, breast cancer is a serious but manageable condition when detected early. Everyone has a role to play in spreading awareness, supporting those affected, and encouraging regular health checks. Through collective effort and continuous education, we can reduce the impact of breast cancer and save more lives.